Parts of a Sewing Machine Needle - Domestic Machines

THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A SEWING MACHINE NEEDLE.

• The shank is the part of the needle that fits into your sewing machine, with the flat side to the back.

• The blade is what determines the needle size. (For example, a size 75 needle has a blade that is .75 mm in diameter.)

• The shaft is the “body” of the needle, and the groove that runs the length of the shaft holds the needle thread. Did you know that the diameter of the thread you are using should take up no more than 40% of the groove?

• The point and tip of the needle refer to the size, shape and length — all of which vary based on the type of needle.

• The scarf of the needle is an indentation on the backside that allows the bobbin hook to smoothly grab the thread under the sewing machine throat plate to create a proper stitch.